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Sanganai Expo preparation descends into chaos
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Preparations for the upcoming Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, scheduled for September 10-12, have reportedly descended into chaos following the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry's decision to move the event from Bulawayo to Mutare. Sources allege that the move, led by Minister Barbara Rwodzi, was driven by self-interest rather than considerations to improve tourism marketing.
Sanganai/Hlanganani, Zimbabwe's premier international tourism expo, provides a platform for networking, business engagement, and showcasing tourism destinations. Bulawayo, which traditionally hosts the event at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair grounds, already possesses the required infrastructure to accommodate such an international expo. In contrast, the new venue at Mutare Sports Club requires extensive preparation to meet event standards, significantly increasing costs.
A senior ministry official highlighted logistical challenges arising from the sudden relocation, noting that tents initially ordered from China were delayed in shipping. "When they realised it won't work, they picked a crony to hire tents from South Africa, which arrived last week and are now being set up with just a week to go," the official said. The official also raised concerns about additional costs, including a dedicated power sub-station estimated at US$200,000, questioning whether this would be funded by Zesa or the ministry. "These are public funds being wasted just to make a few individuals profit. This is corruption at its worst," the source said.
The shift has reportedly quadrupled the cost of hosting the event, from an average of US$500,000 in Bulawayo to approximately US$2 million in Mutare. Critics argue that while rotating the expo to different locations could have merit, in this case, it appears to serve as an opportunity for officials to profit through infrastructure, procurement, and supply deals rather than enhance the event's quality or reach.
The controversy also touches on the role of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), the statutory body mandated to organise events to promote and market Zimbabwe as a tourist destination under the Tourism Act (Chapter 14:20) of 1996. Sources claim that Minister Rwodzi has increasingly taken control of ZTA's day-to-day operations, including management of the Zimbabwe Tourism Fund, a move described as exceeding her legal mandate.
A source close to the preparations added, "ZTA sent a procurement and logistics team to China in July to ship containers with tents, chairs, and other equipment for the venue in Mutare. Now all that work is being rushed at the last minute, creating chaos."
The ministry has deployed a team to monitor preparations in Mutare, where Zanu PF will also hold its annual conference at Mutare Polytechnic from October 13-18. Attempts to obtain comment from ministry officials were unsuccessful, with inquiries redirected to the minister, who was reportedly unavailable.
The unfolding situation has raised concerns about transparency, efficiency, and the proper use of public resources, casting a shadow over Zimbabwe's flagship tourism expo ahead of its September launch.
Sanganai/Hlanganani, Zimbabwe's premier international tourism expo, provides a platform for networking, business engagement, and showcasing tourism destinations. Bulawayo, which traditionally hosts the event at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair grounds, already possesses the required infrastructure to accommodate such an international expo. In contrast, the new venue at Mutare Sports Club requires extensive preparation to meet event standards, significantly increasing costs.
A senior ministry official highlighted logistical challenges arising from the sudden relocation, noting that tents initially ordered from China were delayed in shipping. "When they realised it won't work, they picked a crony to hire tents from South Africa, which arrived last week and are now being set up with just a week to go," the official said. The official also raised concerns about additional costs, including a dedicated power sub-station estimated at US$200,000, questioning whether this would be funded by Zesa or the ministry. "These are public funds being wasted just to make a few individuals profit. This is corruption at its worst," the source said.
The shift has reportedly quadrupled the cost of hosting the event, from an average of US$500,000 in Bulawayo to approximately US$2 million in Mutare. Critics argue that while rotating the expo to different locations could have merit, in this case, it appears to serve as an opportunity for officials to profit through infrastructure, procurement, and supply deals rather than enhance the event's quality or reach.
A source close to the preparations added, "ZTA sent a procurement and logistics team to China in July to ship containers with tents, chairs, and other equipment for the venue in Mutare. Now all that work is being rushed at the last minute, creating chaos."
The ministry has deployed a team to monitor preparations in Mutare, where Zanu PF will also hold its annual conference at Mutare Polytechnic from October 13-18. Attempts to obtain comment from ministry officials were unsuccessful, with inquiries redirected to the minister, who was reportedly unavailable.
The unfolding situation has raised concerns about transparency, efficiency, and the proper use of public resources, casting a shadow over Zimbabwe's flagship tourism expo ahead of its September launch.
Source - businessdaily.co.zw
